Marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco are commonly used by young adults, and co-use of these substances often occurs. Yet, little is known about the prevalence of the different ways in which individuals are co-using these substances. Researchers conducted this study in order to better understand which products and methods of co-use are most common. Using a national sample of 3,940 young adults ages 18-24, past 30-day alcohol use, marijuana use, and tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, LCCs, electronic cigarettes, hookah, and “others”) were assessed in waves from 2011 to 2015. Estimates across all waves indicate the following top 10 patterns: no past 30-day use (42.4%); alcohol use alone (31.1%); cigarette and alcohol use (5.4%); alcohol and marijuana use (4.0%); cigarette use alone (2.5%); cigarette, alcohol and marijuana use (2.1%); hookah and alcohol use (.9%); cigar and alcohol use (.9%); marijuana use alone (.9%); and other tobacco and alcohol use (.7%). This study identifies the most popular ways in which young adults are co-using alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco products. Alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use (in different cominations) are in the top for most popular patterns across all years of assessment. Alcohol co-use occurred in the majority of patterns suggesting prevention efforts focused on addressing alcohol use may prevent use of additional substances. Multi-product targeted interventions could have even greater benefit.
Take away: These patterns can inform intervention and educational efforts targeted toward reducing substance use by focusing on the different product combinations identified in this study.